(OTTAWA, ON) February 22, 2018 – The most recent round of the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program, often referred to as the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program (QES), will see $5.8 million of funding to support 650 students in 20 Canadian university-led projects. Undergraduate and graduate students will enrich their academic, professional and cross-cultural skills while contributing to global projects led by participating Canadian universities. Now in its fourth year, the QES program is a collaborative initiative led by the Rideau Hall Foundation, Universities Canada and the Community Foundations of Canada, made possible thanks to contributions from the Government of Canada, provincial governments, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), universities, and a wide range of private sector donors. Launched in 2014, the QES program has engaged 44 universities in every province, with funding that will enable, in total, 3,000 scholars to participate in this global exchange of talent. Through this latest phase of the QES program, an estimated 650 Canadian and international students will undertake internships and research in Canada and abroad. Canadian students will intern at some of the following organizations:

Centre for Urban and Reginal Excellence in India

Makerere University Field Station in Kibale National Park, Uganda

Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Ethiopia

Caribbean Public Health Agency, Trinidad and Tobago

Partnership for Sustainable Development, Nepal

Global Alliance Against Traffic in Women, Thailand

The impact of having an educational experience overseas is life-changing; students who have studied or worked abroad often return with a new sense of self and purpose. Moreover, it’s becoming clear that the benefits of a global experience for Canadian students stand to impact our country’s prosperity and growth. “As Canada looks to advance economic and political relations internationally, we need our next generation of leaders and innovators to have global core competencies, including knowledge of business culture, language skills and intercultural competence,” said Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada.

The November 2017 Report of the Study Group on Global Education called for a Canadian national strategy to encourage more Canadian students to participate in global learning experiences, citing the multiple benefits of doing so, stating that global learning is a vital instrument to achieve national priorities, including economic growth and trade, social and economic inclusion, and Canada’s influence in the world. “The QES program is proud to serve as a uniquely Canadian vehicle and platform for public and private funders as well as the university community to come together and offer students the opportunity for global learning, service and impact,” said Scott Haldane, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation.

Scholars participating in the QES program become part of a global network of leaders who continue to engage with their communities locally and around the world. “The QES program has truly created a dynamic group of young people who are changing our world and are instrumental in enhancing the work of community foundations at home and abroad,” said Andrew Chunilall, CEO of Community Foundations of Canada.

About Queen Elizabeth Scholars program

The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program aims to mobilize a dynamic community of young global leaders across Canada and around the world to create lasting impacts both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences. To learn more visit, www.queenelizabethscholars.ca.

About Rideau Hall Foundation

The Rideau Hall Foundation was established by the Right Honourable David Johnston during his mandate as governor general of Canada (2010-2017) to strengthen the ability of the Office of the Governor General to better serve Canadians through a range of initiatives linked to leadership, learning, giving, and innovation. Together we are building a better Canada. To learn more visit www.rhf-frh.ca.

About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians. To learn more visit www.univcan.ca.

About Community Foundations of Canada

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations which help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. To learn more visit www.communityfoundations.ca.

OTTAWA – More than 420 researchers at the doctoral, postdoctoral and early-career levels will undertake global research projects as part of the new Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Advanced Scholars Program, contributing to improved global talent exchange between Canada and other nations.

This expanded second round of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program will fund winning projects at 21 Canadian universities, thanks to a $10 million contribution by Canada’s International Development Research Centre and a $2.5 million contribution from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. This additional funding has allowed the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to expand its reach to more low- and middle-income countries, and fund researchers at multiple stages of their careers to become the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders.

The winning projects span diverse subject areas ranging from agriculture and food security to climate change, employment and growth, and maternal and child health. Successful projects were selected by an independent selection committee representing research and funding communities from around the world.

The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program aims to activate a dynamic community of young global leaders across Canada and the Commonwealth to create lasting impacts both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences. To learn more visit www.queenelizabethscholars.ca.

About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, representing the interests of 97 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities. To learn more visit www.univcan.ca.

About Community Foundations of Canada

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations. We are a philanthropic movement working across sectors to help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient communities. To learn more visit www.communityfoundations.ca.

About Rideau Hall Foundation

The Rideau Hall Foundation works in close collaboration with the Office of the Governor General and many external partners to support initiatives that strengthen our national identity, build capacity and promote the advancement of a smart and caring nation through learning, leadership, innovation and giving initiatives. To learn more visit www.rhf-frh.ca.

About International Development Research Centre

Part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods in the developing world. Bringing together the right partners around opportunities for impact, IDRC builds leaders for today and tomorrow and helps drive large-scale positive change. Learn more at www.idrc.ca.

About Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary research and research training in the humanities and social sciences. By focusing on developing talent, generating insights and forging connections across campuses and communities, SSHRC supports world-leading initiatives that reflect a commitment to a better future for Canada and the world. To learn more visit: www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca

(OTTAWA, ON) October 6, 2016 – The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program is expanding, allowing more advanced scholars to benefit from the life-changing global experiences that the program offers. Universities Canada launched a call today to universities from across the country to submit new project proposals by November 25, 2016.

Contributions from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) led to the $12.5 million expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program. Created to improve global talent exchange between Canada and other nations, the program helps develop the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders by providing enriched academic, professional and cross-cultural experiences and by facilitating lasting local and global community engagement.

“Extending the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to include early career researchers reflects the growing significance of the program as a platform for international engagement and grows Canada’s global footprint,” says Paul Davidson, President and CEO of Universities Canada. “The first cohort of Queen Elizabeth Scholars is an impressive group, and this next phase hold great promise. I look forward to seeing how they’ll contribute to building a more innovative, prosperous and inclusive Canada.”

Participating scholars will have access to the advanced education, training and mentorship vital to cutting-edge innovation. They will engage in local development with industry, government, and civil society organizations.

“We are delighted that IDRC’s $10 million contribution will expand the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to provide new learning opportunities for doctoral, post-doctoral, and early career scientists from low- and middle-income countries, as well as in Canada,” says Jean Lebel, President of the International Development Research Centre. “These students will become the leaders of tomorrow who will influence the change that will improve the lives of people throughout the world.”

“SSHRC is proud to be partnering on the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program to give students additional research and training opportunities in the humanities and social sciences, such as working with Indigenous communities across the world,” says Ted Hewitt, President of SSHRC. “The program will contribute to build and sustain a strong research environment, here and abroad, preparing students to succeed within and beyond academia.”

“We are delighted to support the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program, which helps young Canadians across the country grow as leaders and global citizens through their enriched experiences,” says Scott Haldane, Rideau Hall Foundation President and CEO. “It is through leading programs such as this one that Canada will make advancements as a nation in the key areas of learning, leading and innovation.”

“Globalization has had a profound impact on how we share ideas and engage in our communities. The expansion of the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program will provide even more opportunities for a global exchange of talent, and is a prime example of leadership coming together from all sectors and all over the world to have impact,” says Andrew Chunilall, Chief Operating Officer with Community Foundations of Canada. “This call will invite a new wave of activation between community foundations and local universities as we continue to explore ways to connect our communities with others globally.”

The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada, and Canadian universities. It was first introduced by the Governor General of Canada David Johnston and former Prime Ministers Stephen Harper and Jean Chrétien. There are currently more than 500 Queen Elizabeth Scholars from 36 Canadian universities across the country.

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, representing the interests of 97 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities.

About International Development Research Centre

Part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods in the developing world. Bringing together the right partners around opportunities for impact, IDRC builds leaders for today and tomorrow and helps drive large-scale positive change.

About Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council is a separate agency of the Government of Canada founded in 1977 and mandated to promote and support postsecondary-based research and training in social sciences and the humanities. Through grants, fellowships and scholarships, SSHRC helps Canada’s researchers and research institutions do what they do best: train the next generation of talented, creative thinkers and doers; build knowledge and understanding about people, cultures and societies; and drive the innovations that address the challenges of today and tomorrow.

About Rideau Hall Foundation

Rideau Hall Foundation gathers, aligns and catalyzes ideas, people and resources to move the Canadian spirit and our shared aspirations forward. As an independent, non-political charitable organization, it works collaboratively with the Office of the Governor General and many multi-sectoral partners to promote the advancement of a smart and caring nation in the priority areas of learning, leadership, innovation and giving.

About Community Foundations of Canada

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations. Together we are a philanthropic movement working across sectors to help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient communities.

(OTTAWA, ON) June 2, 2016 – A new $10 million contribution from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is helping to expand the scope and reach of the Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program. The funding from IDRC will offer new learning opportunities for doctoral, post-doctoral and early career researchers from low- and middle-income countries, as well as in Canada, seeking to enrich their academic, professional and cross-cultural experiences.

The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program (QES) is a collaborative initiative led by the Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and Universities Canada, with contributions from the Government of Canada, Canadian universities, and a wide range of partners from all sectors. Launched in 2014, the QES program has engaged 37 universities in every Canadian province and 85% of the Commonwealth. The first phase of the program will offer approximately 2,000 scholarships over four years and build a community of young leaders through a global exchange of talent.

The expansion of the QES program will provide a unique two-way exchange: researchers in low- and middle-income countries will have greater access to the advanced education, training and mentorship that are vital to cutting-edge innovation; and doctoral students and early career researchers in Canada will gain more exposure to the international experience they need to become leaders in globally competitive work environments. Another distinctive feature of the program will be direct opportunities for recipients to engage with key stakeholders in local development, including industry.

The QES program targets a 50 per cent gender balance of female and male students and ensures that gender equality is incorporated into all aspects of project activities, reporting and planning.

“IDRC is delighted to join the Rideau Hall Foundation, Community Foundations of Canada and Universities Canada in supporting the leaders of tomorrow who will develop solutions to increasingly complex national and global challenges,” said Jean Lebel, President, IDRC. “Through their applied research, innovations and collaboration, they will contribute to stronger economies, more prosperous societies and large-scale positive change.”

”IDRC’s substantial support is great news for the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program,” said Scott Haldane, President and CEO of the Rideau Hall Foundation. ”This contribution helps build momentum and attract additional resources that will enable even more students to experience this unique global talent exchange.”

“The Queen Elizabeth Scholars program offers young people invaluable international study and research experiences that will benefit them throughout their careers and lives,” said Paul Davidson, President of Universities Canada. “This significant contribution from IDRC will help develop the next generation of innovative leaders and community builders in Canada and around the world.”

“By providing opportunities for young scholars to experience different cultures and learn from one another through this global exchange of talent, we’re creating the conditions for our communities and countries to be more welcoming and inclusive,” said Ian Bird, President, Community Foundations of Canada. “IDRC’s contribution will give the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program an even greater lift, creating new opportunities for young leaders to make a lasting impact at home and abroad.”

Part of Canada’s foreign affairs and development efforts, IDRC invests in knowledge, innovation, and solutions to improve lives and livelihoods in the developing world. Bringing together the right partners around opportunities for impact, IDRC builds leaders for today and tomorrow and helps drive large-scale positive change. Learn more at www.idrc.ca.

About Queen Elizabeth Scholars program

The Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program aims to activate a dynamic community of young global leaders across Canada and around the world to create lasting impacts both at home and abroad through cross-cultural exchanges encompassing international education, discovery and inquiry, and professional experiences. To learn more visit, www.queenelizabethscholars.ca.

About Rideau Hall Foundation

The Rideau Hall Foundation gathers, aligns and catalyzes ideas, people and resources to move the Canadian spirit and our shared aspirations forward. As an independent, non-political charity, the Foundation works closely with the Governor General and many external partners to support initiatives that build our identity, build capacity and promote the advancement of a caring nation through learning, leadership, innovation and giving initiatives. To learn more about its initiatives, visit www.rhf-frh.ca.

About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, representing the interests of 97 Canadian public and private not-for-profit universities. To learn more visit www.univcan.ca.

About Community Foundations of Canada

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada’s 191 community foundations which help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. To learn more visit www.communityfoundations.ca.

This article was originally posted by the University of Calgary on May 6, 2016 and is reposted with permission.

By Gillian Galambos

Excitement and nerves fill the room as the latest University of Calgary Queen Elizabeth scholars prepare to embark on an experience of a lifetime this summer.

Kevin Capuno, Sydney Krill, Sahar Khajeali and Zeeyaan Somani are the most recent recipients of the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship (QES). All undergraduate students from the faculties of arts and nursing, they are looking forward to having the opportunity to immerse themselves in local culture and to make a real difference in the communities they’ll be working in.

The objective of the QES program is to activate a dynamic community of young global leaders across the Commonwealth countries to create lasting impact — both locally and globally — through cross-cultural exchanges. Established in 2014, the University of Calgary sent the first group of Queen Elizabeth scholars abroad last year. The program continues to grow with the introduction of a new partnership with Aga Khan University in Uganda. These programs complement the internship opportunities available through the Study Abroad office thanks to our long-standing partnerships in the region.

Work in Africa will focus on maternal health, disabilities

Capuno and Krill are students in the Faculty of Arts, both taking combined degrees with a focus on development. They are headed to Ghana along with four other University of Calgary students funded by University of Calgary International to work with the Community Based Rehabilitation Program (CBR). They will be travelling to different rural field offices to work on improving the lives of those with disabilities. Khajeali and Somani are both in the Faculty of Nursing and are the first students to do an exchange with Aga Khan University. They’ll be working in a hospital focusing on maternal health in a developing country.

“I just want to be a sponge,” says Somani, when asked what she hopes to achieve during her internship. “I want to be immersed in the culture and learn everything I can, while developing relationships with the locals so I can relate to them on a more personal level.”

An opportunity to globalize degrees

The QES program closely aligns with the University of Calgary’s International Strategy and will have significant impact in Canada and around the world in creating a new global network of scholars. The QES program is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and Canadian universities. It’s made possible with financial support from the Government of Canada, provincial governments and the private sector.

“This program is a great opportunity for our students to gain international development experience and share knowledge between countries and institutions,” says Janaka Ruwanpura, vice-provost (international). “It really enables our students to become global citizens.”

The students will be overseas for 90 days completing their internships along with a self-directed course for academic credit. When they return home, they’ll be working to educate the campus community on their experiences and how other students can get involved.

Putting classroom theory into practice

“I want to empower people to make change,” says Krill. “I’m hoping that through this experience, I’ll learn practical skills in the field that I can bring back and use to teach others how to make the world a better place.”

Learn more about the QES program and apply for various study abroad opportunities.

This article was originally posted in the Windsor Star on May 7, 2016 and is reposted with permission.

The Queen Elizabeth II Scholars (QES) Program is an innovative program for students with an interest in palliative care, and is managed through a valuable partnership between Universities Canada, the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), Community Foundations of Canada (CFC) and Canadian universities.

Samantha Kellam, a Masters student at the University of Windsor, was the first recipient of the scholarship and journeyed to England in January of this year to further her studies at Keele University. While at Keele, she has worked at two hospices – at Donna Louise Children’s Hospice and at Douglas Macmillan Hospice.

“Samantha was one of our undergrad students and she was also a Lancer,” says Dr. Kathy Pfa , an assistant professor in the Faculty of Nursing. “When she applied for this, it was clear she was the most stellar.”

Kellam committed to at least 90 days – a full semester – at Keele. The area of research she decided to undertake was in reflection, a practice commonly exercised in England but less frequently here.

“The health care team in hospice there fully reflect at the end of their work day,” explains assistant professor Dr. Laurie Freeman-Gibb. “She’s studying the benefi ts of reflection – how that impacts a team, or the individual.

“That’s typically not something we see here in Canada, and she wants to understand that. That’s the benefit of these programs – to learn from them what they do there that we don’t do here, and vice versa. It’s all about improving care.”

Students interested in applying for a scholarship to Keele University in England must meet the following requirements: scholars must enrolled in a Master’s or doctoral program in a health science or related field at the University of Windsor, while interns must be enrolled in an Honours undergraduate health science program at the University of Windsor and must travel to Keele University in the spring or summer between the third and fourth year of their undergraduate program. All applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and 35 years of age or under at the time of application.

By mobilizing a community of young, dynamic Canadians to study abroad and by supporting students from other countries to attend Canadian universities, the Queen Elizabeth Scholars program is having significant impacts in Canada and around the world and creating a new global network of scholars. It is a worthy tribute to Her Majesty, who was pleased to lend her name to the program.

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ABOUT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOLARS

This collaborative initiative is made possible through the leadership of the Rideau Hall Foundation, in collaboration with Community Foundations of Canada, Universities Canada, and Canadian universities.